I am a bestselling author and a freelance journalist who concentrates on man’s struggle to keep the state in balance with the American dream. My latest book is The Future of the Gun. I am also the author of The Ultimate Man's Survival Guide. My website is www.frankminiter.com. I am a former senior editor at Outdoor Life and a former executive editor for American Hunter (an NRA magazine). I still write for the NRA's publications and I am a "field editor" for American Hunter. This is a purely gratuitous title, but one I'm proud of, as I am a life member of the NRA. I mention all this because Media Matters has been saying I'm secretly an "NRA employee" to attack my credibility on the gun issues. When they can't handle the facts they attack the messenger.

Three Reasons Why Obama Is Losing The Women's Vote

Sabrina Schaeffer, executive director of the Independent Women’s Forum, a conservative group, bristles at the idea that women are a voting bloc. She says, “That doesn’t make any sense when you consider that women make up 52 percent of the electorate and are hardly a homogenous voting bloc. They’re married-single, urban-rural, young-old, mothers-childless….”

Schaeffer also finds the so-called “War on Women” to be patronizing. She says, “The Obama campaign is betting they can goose turnout on November 6 for Democrats by claiming the Republicans are waging a ‘War on Women.’ A central part of this claim is that Republicans tend to oppose the Paycheck Fairness Act (PFA), a bill the Left claims will ensure equal pay for men and women. However, the reality is that this kind of labor regulation will likely hamper the job market for women of all political stripes—unless, of course, they are trial lawyers. By expanding the definition of ‘wage discrimination,’ by making it easier to file class-action lawsuits, and by opening businesses to greater litigation and uncertainty, this legislation would harm men and women.”

She points out that research conducted for Independent Women’s Voice found that, while the “War on Women” mantra might please liberal Democrats, it actually turns off independents. Unlike standard polls, which ask people if they find an argument convincing, the Independent Women’s Voice did a controlled-message experiment. They surveyed only independents and “weak partisans.”

Schaeffer says, “We found that 74 percent of women agree at least somewhat that workplace discrimination is a serious problem; however, this doesn’t necessarily mean they want more government regulation. Respondents exposed to the Democratic argument alone strongly favor the PFA (45 percent). But support for the bill drops 35-points to a 10 percent when economic issues are also addressed.”

Schaeffer thinks most voters are focused on the real problems our nation is facing. First among these are pocketbook issues—national debt, spending, taxes and jobs. She says, “What the alleged ‘War on Women’ narrative reveals is that the Left demonizes anyone who questions government. This is how they perpetuate the myth of women as victims in need of government protection. However, it turns out that pitting men and women against each other is neither smart policy nor smart politics. Voters don’t want more gender wars or government regulation. They want an economy that works.”

3. Steadfast Leadership

Anne Sorock, the founder of a marketing nonprofit called The Frontier Lab, feels some women who voted for Obama in 2008 won’t vote for him in 2012 because “Obama has relied in the past on a sort of polish and glamour that doesn’t stand up under scrutiny.”

Sorock’s central point is that Obama isn’t the leader he appeared to be. She says, “Women are seeking a capable and prepared leader, instead Obama has been fumbling and aloof. He needs to take responsibility—and he hasn’t. Benghazi revealed that Obama tends to put his personal reputation ahead of the safety and security of those the government must protect.”

Aside from not turning out to be someone who accepts responsibility, Sorrock says, “My research indicates women are less concerned with the minutiae of policies than with the macro-level path we’re pursuing. They are thinking long-term. They want a person who will keep the promise of the American dream alive for their children. They want a president who will keep them safe and be honest about the path we’re on. Meanwhile, Obama is busy building his monuments, making excuses and avoiding responsibility.”

Sorock also notes that, after months of the Obama campaign demonizing Romney, women who are independents saw Romney on the stage in the first debate and thought he seemed like a stand-up guy, not the guy Obama says he is.

Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said as much to USA Today: “In every poll,” she said, “we’ve seen a major surge among women in favorability for Romney. Women went into the debate actively disliking Romney, and they came out thinking he might understand their lives and might be able to get something done for them.”

Ann Romney’s media appearances and the many policy issues separating the two candidates are also affecting the polls, but pollsters are also talking about “enthusiasm.” Republicans have been saying they’re more enthusiastic about voting than Democrats in this election; in fact, the percentage of women registered voters who are “extremely enthusiastic” about voting has doubled since June, reports Gallup. The USA Today said, “Women, who consistently had lagged men, are now more engaged: 41% of women and 35% of men report being extremely enthusiastic. Among women, more Romney supporters are extremely enthusiastic than Obama supporters, 46% versus 38%.”

Post Your Comment

Post Your Reply

Forbes writers have the ability to call out member comments they find particularly interesting. Called-out comments are highlighted across the Forbes network. You'll be notified if your comment is called out.